Pre serp sump replacement - gasket or not?

[Barkychoc]

I actually initially posted this in the Chimaera forum but thought again and reckon its better off here as there will be a lot more pre serp engines, so-

I'm going to be rebuilding my V8S engine over the next month or so - I'm pretty clear on most of it apart from sealing the sump.
I've read a few threads on not bothering with a sump gasket and using a VW spec sealant.

Whats the general view?

Is the reality that its down to personal preference?

I assume there is no rubber sump gasket available like the serp one?
(and if there is would you use it?)

Cheers

Edited by Barkychoc on Monday 12th January 15:28

[ed_crouch]

Cork gaskets are poo. The only way I've ever managed to stop em leaking is to use the gasket and slathe it in a decent coating of Hylomar. Loctite 515 is better as it wont block oilways if blobs detach and get carried into the oil.

Clean and degrease the block and sump faces. Hylomar, Gasket on, make sure you do not exceed the recommended torque figues, as the gasket will squash and slip out the side of the joint in between the bolt holes. LEave it to set up properly, then you could probably give it another tweak, as the sealant will have formed an adhesive bond and the gasket should be less prone to slipping.

Better still, ally sump and a paper gasket. We wish!

Ed.
P.S. I shoudl add that its not normally a good idea to use paper gaskets with tin sumps cos the mating face of the sump wont be even remotely flat - you need a gasket material with some give in it to make up for the ripples in the sump face otherwise it'll pee oil everywhere.

Edited by ed_crouch on Monday 12th January 19:57

[TVRleigh_BBWR]

I fitted the sump onto the racer with only Hylomar and had no leeks.

[andyy]

Hi there
I did mine last year with a cork gasket
Within a few months the cork went brittle, fell into the sump and blocked the oil pickup - luckily no serious damage.

Have now redone with the VW sealant - easy to do and no leaks yet

Cheers Andy